Lojah is a versatile performer and song-writer. His music can be described as a creolized, roots-oriented Americana deeply influenced by Caribbean rhythms, Irish pub tunes and Celtic melodies. He has played his music from the Gulf of Mexico to Monterey Bay, and he is currently performing along Florida's Gulf Coast.
Between 1999 and 2008 Lojah wrote with, managed, produced, and performed with the Grammy nominated Native American rapper Shadowyze. His song "Pedigree" featured on the 2001 SOAR™ release "Spirit Warrior" and received radio play throughout North America. It was also featured at Reggae on the River between 2001 and 2003. The 2006 dancehall single "Flow" charted in the Top 50 on Dixie Dance Kings Pop Urban Ads and won a Listener's Choice Award. His song "Alone by the Sea" won multiple awards including Reggae Song of the Day, and Best Male Vocals, and Best Mood in Reggae in May 2007.
Lojah was born as Jay Moody to a large, Creek Indian and Irish family from Pensacola, Florida. Growing up in a Navy family, he was raised in multiple maritime communities including New Orleans, Maryland, and California's Bay Area, while always returning to and calling Florida his home. Being brought up on the music of Bob Marley, the Ramones, and Bob Dylan heavily influenced the budding musician. He also counts such bands as the Pogues, the Dogs D'amour, Ben Harper, Bill Miller, and the Clancy Brothers as major influences. Jay cut his musical teeth busking on city streets, beaches and around campfires. Over the years he has played folk, punk rock, reggae and even worked in hip-hop music.
Jay is a dedicated adherent to, and traditional singer in the Muskogee Creek Stomp Dance society located on the Poarch Creek Indian reservation, and he is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Anthropology. As Lojah, his music is immersed in social realism, and arcane insight woven together with tongue-in-cheek witticism and a festive vibe. He encourages a life in tune with the natural world while celebrating the finer points of creation.
